Working smoke alarm alerts occupant to fire in their Home
HAMILTON, ON - A working smoke alarm is being credited with alerting the lone occupant to a fire in their home. The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 15 Church Street, Ancaster at approximately 8:35 am this morning.
Upon arrival firefighters found the occupant outside of the house and confirmed a well involved fire with heavy black smoke showing from the 2nd floor of this two and a half storey detached house. Crews entering the home found the fire in the attic and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire after an aggressive interior attack with no fire spread to the lower floors.
Damage to the home is extensive and has been estimated at approximately $300,000. There were no injuries to the public reported and one firefighter was injured during firefighting operations. The injured firefighter was treated by Hamilton Paramedics on scene and has returned to normal duties.
The probable cause of the fire was determined to be electrical in the venting system from the 2nd floor bathroom. Due to the heavy fire and water damage to the house, it is presently uninhabitable and the occupants have arranged alternate living arrangements.
This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms. An operational smoke alarm will provide you with the protection and early warning that you need to give you and your family the best chance to survive a fire in your home. The Ontario Fire Code requires that you install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home, including basements.
For more information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm or visit our web-site at www.hamilton.ca/fire